A powerful contingent has signed up for the Open at Millbrook at the end of the month.
Leading the way is PGA Tour of Australasia order of merit leader Cameron John.
He already has two wins this season, including the Vic Open last month, and nearly had a third at the Webex Players Series Victoria event, only to miss out in a thrilling four-hole playoff to Jordan Doull.
Hot on John’s heels is NSW Open winner Christopher Wood, who also arrives in Queenstown in outstanding form and with plenty to play for as the Australian season reaches its climax.
The experienced campaigner will be returning for his sixth New Zealand Open and has been a model of consistency throughout the summer, putting himself firmly in contention for top honours and adding further firepower to the Australian challenge at Millbrook.
John and Wood will be joined by a formidable Australian contingent that includes DP World Tour member Anthony Quayle, Curtis Luck, Harrison Crowe and rising talent like Doull, Lachlan Barker, James Marchesani and Haydn Barron.
Leading Australians who ply their trade on the Asian Tour include perennial winner Wade Ormsby, highly ranked Travis Smyth and last year’s joint runner-up Jack Thompson.
Adding further depth to an already strong Australian field are defending champion Ryan Peake and LIV Golf star Lucas Herbert, both capable of lighting up Millbrook’s Coronet and Remarkables courses by going low.
New Zealand Open tournament director Michael Glading said the strength of the Australian players grew each year, reflecting the depth of talent coming through the region.
"It’s no coincidence that five of the last six New Zealand Open champions have come from Australia," Glading said.
"They arrive battle-hardened, in great form, and they always bring a competitive edge that lifts the entire tournament.
"This year’s group is as strong as we’ve ever seen, with so many recent first-time winners in the Australian events coming to New Zealand."
Glading said the incentive of a place in the British Open had intensified the battle at the top of the Australasian standings.
"It’s raised the intensity, and you can see how much it means to these players.
"They know a big week at the New Zealand Open can change everything, and that’s exactly the kind of drama you want heading into a championship like this." — Allied Media
